Ike leaned back in the saddle and looked down on the town that spread before him. He had been thinking about Karen a lot and wondered why he hadn�t seen her for a while. He knew that he�d been rather occupied down at the station lately. His runs had taken him further than normal and the pace had definitely picked up, so much so that he didn�t know what was going on anymore.

Even though the guys that had been switched were getting faster, it still meant that there was extra work. He was looking forward to getting his old friends back again. He really missed them and was surprised at how much he�d gotten used to Cody�s nightly banter. He spurred his horse into action and headed towards the post office.

Ike walked up the steps with the mochilla and gave Blythe a smile. "Hi Ike, haven't seen you for a while." Ike shrugged his shoulders. Blythe took the mochilla from him, entered the store and walked into the post office with Ike trailing. She started to empty it while Ike watched her.

Ike wheeled around when he heard footsteps enter the room. Teaspoon went over to the rider and put his hand on his shoulder

"Well, hello there, Ike. How you holding up?"

Ike looked at him with a puzzled expression and shrugged his shoulders.

Teaspoon led him out onto the street, ready to console the young man. "I know it's tough son, but you can�t stop someone from choosing their own path"

Ike raised his eyebrows

"Karen surprised us all when she up and sold to Walter. Maybe she just needed to get away for a while to clear her head."

Ike felt the words pierce his heart. Ike signed numbly.

Teaspoon gave a groan "Oah, I thought you knew."

Ike shook his head as he felt the tears well in his eyes. He ran to his horse, quickly mounted her and was soon heading back out of town.